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Leaving broken hearts and empty bank accounts, romance scammers give love a bad name. Now that you know how many people experience romance scams, and how to spot the scams, take some anti-scam action this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re wondering if that interesting person who just messaged you is for real, looking forward to February 15 discounts on chocolates, or thinking about friends who are out in the online dating world, here are some messages to know and share about romance scams.

  • If an online love interest you’ve never met in person asks you for money, that’s a scam. No matter what story they tell you.
  • Never send money or gifts to anyone you haven’t met in person — even if they send you money first.
  • Only scammers tell you to buy gift cards, wire money, or buy cryptocurrency. And once you send that money, you won’t get it back.
  • Talk to someone you trust about your new love interest, and pay attention if they’re concerned. 
  • Report romance scams to the dating or social networking site, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Learn more at ftc.gov/romancescams. And share this blog series, video, and graphics with people who might need it — even if you don’t.

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19 Comments

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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flowergirl
February 12, 2021
Romance scammers will also court you with flowers and gifts before they start asking you for money. I work in the floral industry and we see this often. They will place an order for flowers on a website, and will include stuffed animals and chocolates to make a big impression. Then they pay for it all with a stolen credit card.
White dove
February 13, 2021

In reply to by flowergirl

Sounds like a couple people I know have moved on to new ways to scam me right in front of my face. People these days have really lost their moral compass it seems no one cares about people anymore only there pocketbook. Money is the root of all evil.
Huskymom
February 12, 2021
I still have yet to hear back from the FTC regarding my complaint filed close to a year ago. Romance scams are a hard lesson learned. Not many people are aware of this till it happens to them. This message needs to be more wide spread in the advertising world. It's not only hurtful but costly!
Johnnyque
February 13, 2021
I just realized I’ve been scammed out of over $125,000 over the last 6 months or so. I met a man online....name Is Gary Walters....has anyone else heard of this person. Supposed to be in US Army in Afghanistan and supposed to be coming home soon but no firm date. Claims needs money for shipping charges and duties and that’s how I got scammed. It was a smooth operator cause the stories seemed logical and at least partially verifiable. I’ve been scammed out of my entire life savings. I realize how I was vulnerable to a con artist. These people are the lowest form of life there is as they take advantage of a vulnerable population and believable stories. Then they get their claws in you and never let go. Has anyone else fell prey or heard of Gary Walters in the Army in Afghanistan?
concern
February 15, 2021
Talking to a Patrick Williams anyone know him.
Fedupwithlove
February 17, 2021
I have been talking to a Randy C from ohio. Who said he was divorced. Getting ready to sell his business and retire. Met on farmersonly and within a week, he wanted to chat on whatsapp only. 1 week later, he went to Ireland for work? Has been there almost 2 weeks and has a major financial crisis. He needs 10000. The stuff he tells me, makes no sense to me. I refused to send money and I get, the old "you are the only one to help me". Arent there any truthful men anymore?
AdamD
February 18, 2021
Any one know Roman Carter
Mary
February 19, 2021
Someone had a Jeffery Light?
TJ
February 22, 2021
Mike Tim Boyd General in Army for 39 years. In Yemen?
Supiotter
February 22, 2021
So many scamming!I too was hit in the pocket and heart!Most devastating thing to ever happen!Still trying to mend.People the truth is if it seems to good to be true,it is! NEVER SEND ANY CARDS OR MONEY IF YOU HAVE NOT MET! They are professionals! All I got was lies and laughing emojis from Gray Allen but uses many names.I wish we all could post pictures ,the names are fabricated!!! Help us!!!
Neveragain
February 24, 2021
I have been talking with Arnold Stones Robinson in the US Army, currently in Saudi Arabia, previously in Afghanistan and before that in Libya. Apparently has a 9 year old daughter. I have tried to find this guy but can’t find him anywhere. I have lost almost 12k to his scams. Thankfully this voice in my head kept telling me to say no. I was going to report him to the FTC but I know they will never be able to get my money back! Lesson learned!! Never again!!
Cautious Don't…
February 26, 2021
Anyone been talking to Ashley Krompart.
knowbetter
April 07, 2021

In reply to by Cautious Don't…

Talked to her until she wanted money sent with a gift card on hangouts. Ended it there.
faked out
February 26, 2021
jeweler from Kansas City in Turkey needs money, has accident, buying gold needs help getting it shipped .... will marry as soon as he returns. Instant love. Found on dating site.
Don't use your…
March 01, 2021
Have been corresponding with Dr. Raymond Roe in Kabul. Just like all the others asking for money to retrieve a suitcase with 2.5 mil. Anyone know of him
Katie
March 09, 2021
More of a question than a comment. Throughout this blog there are so many comments about scammers directing the victim to move correspondence to GOOGLE HANGOUTS. Why is this? Is this a site that should always be avoided?
Cutie Patootie
March 19, 2021
Jason Bull Marine in Syria will retire in weeks. Anyone else talking to him?
Mkeen
August 10, 2021
Does anyone know Harry Hofman? He got me on Google chat,because it is private! Now he is asking me for money to fly home to the States from Yemen. Please help
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